Australia Playing 11 Vs Bangladesh has been confirmed for the first Test, with Josh Hazlewood returning to the starting XI in place of Scott Boland. The opening Test is set to begin in Darwin on Thursday, with Australia preparing for a significant return to the city after two decades.
The first Test will also mark Australia’s first Test match in eight months. The team has made several important selections for the opening game, including the return of experienced spinner Nathan Lyon and the inclusion of two all-rounders, Cameron Green and Beau Webster.
Australia Playing 11 Vs Bangladesh: Hazlewood Gets the Nod
The biggest selection talking point is the decision to leave Scott Boland out of the first Test. The Australian team management has opted for Josh Hazlewood to strengthen the pace attack alongside captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Hazlewood’s inclusion means Australia’s three leading fast bowlers-Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc-will take the field together for the first time in more than a year. Their return as a group gives Australia a highly experienced pace attack heading into the series against Bangladesh.
The combination of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood has been a key part of Australia’s success in Test cricket in recent years. Their experience and ability to maintain pressure with the new ball could be crucial in the conditions expected in Darwin.
Nathan Lyon Returns to the Playing XI
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has also been named in the Australia Playing 11 Vs Bangladesh. Lyon missed the Ashes series after suffering a hamstring injury, but he has now recovered and is ready to return to Test cricket.
His comeback gives Australia an experienced spin option in the middle and later stages of the innings. Lyon’s ability to bowl long spells and create pressure will be particularly important if the pitch begins to assist spin as the Test progresses.
Cameron Green and Beau Webster Both Selected
Australia have also decided to include both Cameron Green and Beau Webster in the playing XI. Their presence gives the team additional balance with both players capable of contributing with bat and ball.
Green provides Australia with a valuable batting option while also offering support with his bowling. Webster has also earned his place in the side as Australia look for a well-balanced combination for the opening Test.
Australia Playing XI for First Test
Australia’s confirmed playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh is:
Jake Weatherald
Travis Head
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Cameron Green
Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
Beau Webster
Mitchell Starc
Pat Cummins (captain)
Nathan Lyon
Josh Hazlewood
The XI features a strong mix of experienced Test players and players capable of contributing in multiple areas. With three frontline fast bowlers, Lyon as the specialist spinner and two all-rounders, Australia have opted for a versatile combination.
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Australia Test Squad for the Series
Australia’s Test squad for the series includes Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.
Scott Boland remains part of the wider squad despite missing the opening Test, meaning he could still come into consideration later in the series depending on team requirements, conditions and player workload.
Bangladesh Squad for the First Test
Bangladesh will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice-captain. The squad also includes Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amit Hasan, Zakir Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Mushfik Hasan.
Bangladesh will be looking to challenge Australia with a combination of experienced batters, quality spin options and a developing pace attack.
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Australia Return to Darwin After 20 Years
The first Test carries additional significance for Australia as the team returns to Darwin for a Test match after 20 years. The conditions in northern Australia can offer a different challenge compared with the traditional Test venues, making the opening combination particularly important.
Australia will enter the match with a strong bowling attack and plenty of experience in their top order. The return of Lyon, along with the reunion of Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc, will be among the biggest talking points when the first Test gets underway.
With the Australia Playing 11 Vs Bangladesh now confirmed, attention will turn to how the selected players perform once the match begins in Darwin. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will aim to make the most of their opportunity against one of the strongest Test sides in world cricket.
